Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.

Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town. Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.

Effective November 8, 2008 through March 31, 2009, the administrative office at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest will be open Monday - Friday. The forest will remain open seven days a week for both passive and active recreation. Administrative office hours will resume seven-day scheduling on April 1. Camping and the Homeowner Firewood program are still available on weekends with advance reservations.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

The Brendan T. Byrne State Forest recreational facilities are partially accessible to persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office for further information regarding disability access needs. Text telephone (TT) users, call the New Jersey Relay Service at (800) 852-7899.

Whitesbog was an active 19th and 20th-century cranberry and blueberry producing community. This company town was founded in the 1870s by Joseph J. White. The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here by Elizabeth White. Once a thriving town and one of the largest cranberry farms in the state, the now silent village is an example of the changes in agriculture in this state. The site is undergoing restoration and is leased to the Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of the village. For more information on the village and events sponsored by the Trust, call (609) 893-4646.

Many of the forest communities represented in the New Jersey Pine Barrens may be observed along the trails through the natural area. These include upland pine-oak and oak-pine forest, pitch pine lowland forest and Atlantic white cedar swamp. The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest has more than 25 miles of marked trails. The various trails and loops provide challenges ranging from long single track hiking trails to a trail accessible for people with disabilities. The Batona Trail is designed for hiking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing (weather permitting). The Mount Misery Trail allows visitors the additional option of mountain biking, and the Cranberry Trail allows for access by wheelchairs in addition to all the other uses listed above.

The Batona Trail is almost 50 miles in length and links Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests. This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club.

Other trails intersect with the Batona Trail to provide loops of about 6 miles and 14 miles for day hikes. Loops of about 2 miles at the forest office and one mile at Pakim Pond provide short easy hikes with wide pathways which avoid contact with vegetation that may harbor ticks or other insect pests.

All of the trails allow the visitor to enjoy the scenery and biological diversity of the Pine Barrens. Whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon hiking - the trails at Brendan Byrne provide unlimited opportunities for fitness and relaxation.

For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Campsites: 79 tent and trailer sites each with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Campsites open April 1 through December 15. $20 per night.

Group campsites: Three group sites; total capacity: 100. Fire rings, picnic tables, water, and flush toilets. Campsites open April 1 through December 15. $30.00 per night.

Cabins: Three cabins with furnished living room with fireplace; two double-deck bunks; kitchen with running water, electric stove, refrigerator; half-baths with toilet and basin. Electricity. Each accommodates four people. With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are on the shore of Pakim Pond. Showers are available at camping area. Open April 1 through October 31. $45 per night, $315 per week.

Yurts: Three yurts. Circular tents built on a wood frame, featuring a plexiglass skylight. Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Yurts open April 1 through December 15. Accessible to persons with disabilities. $30 per night.

Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
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Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups, we also offer two reservable picnic areas with shelters. Area A holds a capacity of 50 people and Area B can accommodate 100 people. They may be reserved for a fee:

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Hunting is permitted in specific sections of the forest subject to the regulations of the New Jersey DEP's Fish and Wildlife Laws. Wildlife regularly hunted include deer, squirrel, rabbit and grouse. For information about hunting, refer to the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest or contact the forest office

Programs are provided by the Pinelands Institute for Natural and Environmental Studies (PINES), (609) 893-1765.

• Whitesbog Preservation Trust

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